6th May 1816: The historian, John Gage, informs the Home Office of the 'uneasiness' of the Gentlemen of Suffolk

My Lord.

I feel it my duty to acquaint yr. lordship that I have this morning received a letter from my brother Sir Thomas Gage of Hengrave Suffolk, acquainting me that his neighbourhood is under Very Serious apprehensions from the riotous disposition of incendiaries—on Saturday Evening they burnt a Valuable barn the property of Mr. George [Rockward] in the parish of Stanningfield on premises occupied by Mr. George Rollinson. And two other farms in the same district suffered that evening. I trust yr. lordship will excuse this intrusion, but the formidable Spirit of the people has given so much uneasiness to Sir Thos. Gage & other Gentlemen in the neighbourhood that I lose no time in making this Communication.

I have the honour to be
Yr. lordships
Very Obedt. Humb Servt.

John Gage

Lincoln's Inn
May 6th 1816

4th May 1816: Arson at Stanningfield & Wickhambrook, both in Suffolk

The Bury & Norwich Post of 8th May 1816 carried reports about 2 cases of arson in Suffolk, both of which occurred in the evening of Saturday 4th May 1816:

On Saturday night a large barn in the occupation of Mr. Rollinson, of Stanningfield, was destroyed by fire.—Same night a fire was discovered on the premises of Mr. John Pryke, of Wickhambrook, when a barn and other outbuildings, with a stack of wheat, and one of beans, fell a prey to the devouring element.